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MZILIKAZI and Magwegwe High schools carry Bulawayo Metropolitan Province’s hopes when they fight for honours at the Copa Coca-Cola football finals which kick off today in Harare. Mzilikazi, winners of the Copa Coca-Cola when it was still an Under-20 tournament in 1989, 1993, 1999 and 2001 are competing in the boys’ Under-16 category while Magwegwe will represent the province in the girls’ Under-17 segment.
It will be the 26th edition for the boys’ competition while the girls’ is in its fourth year running. Delta Beverages, through its Coca-Cola brand, has put in $250,000 up from last year’s $230,000 for the secondary schools football fiesta.
In an interview yesterday, Mzilikazi headmaster Bhekokuhle Dube said they are ready to restore their pride at the finals.
“It was the norm for Mzilikazi to dominate schools’ soccer and that is what we want to restore. We have a good pool of players who have been together for a while and are capable of bringing the trophy to Bulawayo.
“In the build-up to the tournament, we had friendly matches against Gwanda, Mzingwane and Plumtree High schools who gave us a good run. We are leaving for Harare knowing very well that Bulawayo expects us to bring the cup home,” said Dube whose boys have also qualified for the M and H Under-17 finals.
Mzilikazi earned the right to represent Bulawayo at the national finals in Harare last month when they defeated champions Gifford 2-0 in the finals courtesy of two quick first half goals from Gift Lunga and skipper Shadreck Nyahwa. Lunga is the son of former Highlanders’ Gift “Thebe” Lunga (Junior).
Mzilikazi are in Group B with Harare winners Oriel Boys High School and the Midlands representatives.
Meanwhile, Magwegwe, who have been drawn in Group B with Chidzikwe of Masvingo and Mashonaland East’s Mwanza, won the sole ticket to represent Bulawayo in Harare after beating Sobukhazi 4-0 in the provincial girls’ final.
They will pin their hopes on Buhlebenkosi Zulu who scored the four goals against Sobukhazi and became the tournament’s top goalscorer with six goals.
Groups
Boys’ Under-16
Group A: Chemhanza, Chipadze, Pamushana
Group B: Oriel, Mzilikazi, Cheziya
Group C: Gloag, Mutare, Mukondwa
Group D: Churchill, Mzingwane, Vimbai
Girls’ Under-17
Group A: Roosevelt, Muzimuni, St Francis
Group B: Chidzikwe,, Magwegwe, Mwanza
Group C: Gato, Chilisa, Chidyamakono
Group D: Vainona, Nyamauru, Sodbury
Online Reporter